‘Big mistake’ concession over AFL concussion

Aliir and fellow defender Lachie Jones will both miss this week’s conflict with Geelong after a sickening head conflict final weekend left them each concussed.

But Port physician Mark Fisher did not administer a SCAT5 concussion check on Aliir, incomes widespread condemnation and sparking a league investigation, together with a “please explain” from the AFL.

Aliir did endure a SCAT5 check after the sport, and had additional testing that he handed, however each he and Jones entered the league’s concussion protocols, protecting them sidelined for 12 days.

Earlier within the week, the membership mentioned Fisher conceded he ought to have accomplished the check within the first occasion.

Hinkley mentioned on Thursday it had been a “tough week” for the physician and the membership.

But he maintained Fisher had his and the gamers’ full help.

“Absolutely, it has been a tough week for the club. We have had some issues that we would much rather not have had, but they are being dealt with the best they can possibly be dealt with,” he mentioned.

“On reflection, Mark has said he should have done the full test.

“It is a big mistake, but nobody sets out to make a mistake in anything we do, particularly as a doctor. He has done great service for this footy club for a long time.

“Do we lack trust in Mark Fisher? No we don’t.

“He said he got it wrong and I think we should be able to look back at the runs he has on the board. He has done a lot of good things in his profession that we should give him some respect for.”

Jones was subbed out of the match at halftime, however Aliir performed on following the heavy collision and reported to coaching on Monday.

Fisher will journey with the workforce to Geelong for Saturday’s conflict, with Port out to finish a three-match shedding streak and cement their top-two spot on the ladder.